TELUS has partnered with four charitable organizations on the Saanich Peninsula after completing its large fibre optic upgrade in North Saanich.
TELUS refers to the upgrade as its pure fibre project.
“One of the neat things about that is we partnered with four local charities for a program that we refer to as our Fibre for Good Program,” said Sean Donnelly, senior regional market manager for TELUS.
He said TELUS often uses the motto ‘we give where we live,’ so they partnered with the charities, charities, he said, that were selected based on their tie to the community.
“Essentially what would happen is when a customer (in North Saanich) would sign up for TELUS Pure Fibre, Internet, TV or mobility, they would get the opportunity to donate $25 to one of the charities,” said Donnelly.
The program began in August of last year and was completed in November. At the end of the program, the charity would receive the funds designated by the residents of North Saanich.
The charities were the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation ($2,875), the Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation ($875), the Mary Winspear Centre ($725) and the BC Aviation Museum ($525), all totalling $5,000.
“Your $525 grant is being directed towards the completion of our Hoffar 1 project,” said Brian Hay, treasurer at the BC Aviation Museum. “The float plane will be a significant historical aircraft once completed, which we anticipate will be early 2018. The plane was the first successful float plane built in Canada and, was constructed by the local Hoffar family who were well known boar builders.
“Unfortunately nothing remains of the original aircraft and it has been necessary for the museum to develop its own construction plans based on a few historical photos.”
The Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation will use the donation towards a worthy project within North Saanich, but have yet to decide which one. The Mary Winspear Centre will use the funds for their theatre improvements for 2017, including new projectors and wireless microphones.
The Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation will be using their money towards a variety of things.
“This generous cheque for $2,875 will support improved programs, better walkways, equipment to help with mobility and family stays - all crucial to enriching the lives of our residents in care.
“Thank you to our community and to TELUS!” said Karen Morgan, executive director of the Foundation.
For more information on the TELUS Community Investment visit telus.com/community.
— with files from TELUS